Sneijder: I am no longer one of the top five players in the world

The Netherlands international has defended his decision to leave Inter for the Turkish powerhouse, Galatasaray, and accepts he's fallen from grace since the World Cup final in 2010

Wesley Sneijder has admitted that he no longer sees himself as one of the top five players in the world in the wake of his winter move to Galatasaray.

The Netherlands international impressed in the 2009-10 campaign as he helped Inter to a historic treble, and made it to the World Cup final with Oranje, but he realises that he has since declined.

"Why I did not join one of the top five clubs in Europe? Because I am no longer one of the top five players around, and neither are Inter among the five best clubs," Sneijder told De Telegraaf.

"That was the case when we won the Champions League back in 2010, but I have no doubt that Galatasaray are a step forward for me.

"I will get regular playing time again and will play in a strong league. Galatasaray are a beautiful club and I'll have some great team-mates. This is all quite important with the World Cup coming up in 2014."

Sneijder could make his Gala debut in the upcoming Istanbul derby versus Besiktas this weekend.